Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Richmond

California
161

Naperville is 9% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,852/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 2%
$150,937/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 40%
$509,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 27%
$2,161/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 7%
149,424
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $60,899/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Richmond — common questions

Is Naperville or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Richmond?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Richmond?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $60,899/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Richmond

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell